University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
12-10,8-6Big Ten
Northwestern
11-13,5-9Big Ten
Landfair Goes for 25 Kills in Win Over Northwestern
11/5/2023 3:26:00 PM | Volleyball
Minnesota won its sixth game in its last eight contests
EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Minnesota volleyball team fired back after losing the first set to secure a 3-1 victory (25-27, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23) over the Northwestern Wildcats Sunday at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
The victory moved the Golden Gophers' record to 12-10 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play. Minnesota has won six of their past eight matches and sits in a tie for fifth in the conference standings, just one game back for third.
The Golden Gophers were led by a monstrous performance from Taylor Landfair, who posted 25 kills (.392) and nine digs. Melani Shaffmaster totaled 43 assists and 12 digs while Mckenna Wucherer tallied a double double with 11 kills and 11 digs.
Julia Sangiacomo had 16 kills with four digs to lead the Wildcats.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Golden Gophers dropped a back-and-forth first set, losing 27-25 in a game that featured five lead changes and was tied 15 times. Neither team led by more than four points in the set.
SET 2 | Minnesota rallied from a first-set loss to take set two 25-23, evening the match at 1-1. The Golden Gophers persevered in a back-and-forth set to win in a stanza that featured four lead changes and was tied eight times. Neither team led by more than four points along the way. An NU hitting error won the set for the 'U.'
SET 3 | Minnesota grabbed a 2-1 match lead after defeating the Wildcats in set three. The Golden Gophers took the set, 25-21, helped by a strong showing on the attacking end. Minnesota registered a .353 attack percentage with 15 kills in the set win. After the lead changed hands two times, the Golden Gophers took control for good at 8-7 and rode that advantage to victory. Minnesota's front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four Northwestern attacks.
SET 4 | Minnesota ended the match with a 25-23 fourth-set victory, winning their third set in-a -row. The Golden Gophers took the lead for good at 24-23 in a set that showcased two lead changes before the Golden Gophers took over in the second half of the frame. Minnesota also supplemented their offense with three aces in the set. Julia Hanson finished the match with a walk-off ace.
Game Notes
» Minnesota won its eighth straight game against the Wildcats in Evanston and lead the all-time series, 64-20.
» Arica Davis posted her first career ace in the victory.
» Kylie Murr went for 11 digs. She has now registered 10+ digs in every match this year (31 straight dating back to 2022).
» Mckenna Wucherer registered a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs, her fourth double double of the year.
» Taylor Landfair had a match-high 25 kills for Minnesota, which is also a season-best. Landfair hit .392 for the night. Landfair had 20 kills and eight digs in 2021 at Northwestern, her last game there.
» Minnesota got a team-high 12 digs from Melani Shaffmaster for her 15th double double of the season.
Up Next
Minnesota (12-10, 8-6 Big Ten) hosts No. 19 Purdue (15-8, 9-5 Big Ten) next Friday at 6 p.m. CT on B1G+.
